Outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott was one of those guys who tore it up during the preseason for the Green Bay Packers last year.
As an undrafted free agent, Elliott racked up five sacks in the span of three preseason games. That got him a roster spot, but not much else. Elliott played in 13 games for the Packers as a rookie, but the large majority of that time was spent on special teams.
In 13 games, Elliott accumulated 14 tackles.
Not particularly noteworthy, but Elliott has goals, you see.
Very, very specific goals.
“Pro Bowl for special teams,” Elliott said. “I don’t want to set (my goal) too high, but you’ve got to set a goal. I see guys like (former special teams Pro Bowler) Eric Weems from Atlanta, disruptive on film. I feel like I can do the same things he does.”
Well, that’s somewhere between make the roster and lock down a starting spot.
The Packers have plenty of outside linebackers that range from game-changing (Julius Peppers) to good at one thing (Nick Perry, Mike Neal) to non-factor (Nate Palmer, Andy Mulumba). There’s also Clay Matthews, who we all know would LOVE to move back to outside linebacker from the inside linebacker position he occupied so well last season.
In other words, Elliott probably doesn’t have a chance to start anyway and he’s certainly no lock to make the roster either.
The Packers have been harping on special teams all offseason. There’s obviously a renewed focus there. They also dropped their best special teams player in Jarrett Bush, so there’s definitely a void to fill.
So carve out a niche for yourself, son!
Frankly, we’d be surprised if Elliott accomplished his stated goal. We’ll be pulling for him to make the team though because we’d love to see him get some action as a situational pass rusher on defense.